Textile production in many African nations today relies heavily on overseas imports. The types of fabric used by the West African fashion industry, such as Pages, Wax, Getzner, or Bazin, are mainly imported from Dutch and Chinese companies. These imports have significantly diminished the domestic textile industry. In response, various initiatives are advocating for the revitalisation of African textile production and a reevaluation of traditional fabric histories. One such initiative – baobab création – offered young designers from Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Germany the opportunity to collaborate and reinterpret traditional African textiles and imagery into contemporary fashion. They were accompanied in this process by mentors Marie Madeleine Diouf (designer and founder of NuNu Design) and Kamal RAW (designer and stylist), alongside curators Miriam Camara, Maimouna Dembele, and Saraya Gomis.

The project was implemented by Akoma Coaching & Consulting and Each One Teach One (EOTO), funded by the Federal Foreign Office of Germany. The exhibition showcases innovative interpretations of traditional fabrics that draw inspiration from the woven textiles and weaving techniques of Mandjack and Serer weavers. These textiles speak a unique language through their texture, colours, and essence, conveying a story of the past, present, and future. Woven messages run like red threads through the creations.

Credits Text: KINDL — Centre for Contemporary Art